The Waltz is a brilliant and engaging team golf format that adds a layer of strategy and fun to any social round or club tournament. Instead of simply tallying up your own score, you and your partners will work together, with the number of scores that count changing from hole to hole in a rhythmic 1-2-3 pattern. This guide breaks down exactly how the Waltz format works, how to score it, and the best strategies you can use to lead your team to victory.
The Waltz is a team game, typically played with groups of three golfers (a "threesome") but easily adaptable for four. The name comes from its distinct 1-2-3, 1-2-3 counting rhythm, just like the dance.
Here’s the basic flow for a standard three-person team over the first three holes:
After the third hole, this pattern resets. On Hole #4, you’re back to using one score, then two on Hole #5, and three on Hole #6. This sequence continues for the entire 18-hole round, giving the game its namesake tempo.
This format is fantastic because it keeps every player in the game. You might have a bad hole, but it could be the one where only one score counts and your partner bails you out. On the flip side, when all three scores are needed, every shot matters, raising the stakes and making for some exciting moments.
The classic version is for three players. However, it can easily be played with a foursome. Wen playing with four golfers, the format usually still follows the 1-2-3 pattern for scores taken.
In this four-player variation, the fourth player's score is effectively 'thrown out' on every hole, which can relieve a lot of pressure, especially for less consistent golfers.
Keeping score in a Waltz tournament might sound complicated, but it's pretty straightforward once you see it in action. Let's walk through an example scorecard for a three-person team: Anna, Ben, and Chloe.
They are about to play a three-hole stretch: a par-4, a par-3, and a par-5.
The team is on their 10th hole, so the pattern has reset. This is a 1-score hole.
Team Score Calculation: You only need the single best score. Ben’s 4 is the lowest.
Team Score for Hole 10: 4
Now on the 11th hole, the "two-step" part of the Waltz begins, and the pressure starts to build. The team needs their two best scores.
Team Score Calculation: The team needs the two best scores. Anna and Chloe both shot 3. You take their scores and add them together (3 + 3).
Team Score for Hole 11: 6
This is the big one for the rotation, the "three-step" finale where every player's performance is on the line. Every single stroke matters.
Team Score Calculation: Your team must add all three scores together (5 + 5 + 7).
Team Score for Hole 12: 17
After this hole, the pattern repeats. Hole 13 will be a one-score hole, Hole 14 will need two, and so on until the round is complete. At the end, you simply add up the team scores from each of the 18 holes to get your final result.
The Waltz isn't just a game of chance, a smart team can use the format to their advantage. As a coach, I always tell players to think one step ahead. Here’s how you can position your team for a win.
This is the most fundamental piece of advice. Before anyone on your team hits their tee shot, you should announce, "Okay folks, this is a 2-score hole." It instantly sets the strategy. Knowing the stakes helps everyone decide on their approach. A simple mistake - like thinking it's a 1-score hole when it’s actually a 3-score hole - can be the difference between winning and losing.
On holes where only one person's score counts, you have a brilliant strategic opportunity. You can assign roles:
These are the make-or-break holes. When you need multiple scores, a blow-up from one player can sink the whole team. This is not the time for reckless heroics.
Avoid the high-risk, low-reward shots. Don't try to thread a 3-wood through a tiny gap in the trees. The goal here is simple: get everyone home with a reasonable number. A team of three bogeys is far better than two pars and one triple-bogey. Smart, conservative decisions here will pay off big time.
Good communication is a massive advantage in any team format. In Waltz, it affects your play order.
Event organizers and golfers love the Waltz for several reasons that make it an an excellent choice for a club event or a friendly weekend game.
While the 1-2-3 Waltz is the classic, you might see a few other versions on the tournament sign-up sheet.
The Waltz is a fantastic golf format that trades individual pressure for team strategy and fun. By understanding the simple 1-2-3 scoring rhythm and communicating well with your partners, you can turn a regular round of golf into a dynamic and memorable team competition that keeps everyone involved from start to finish.
When you're playing fun formats like the Waltz, course management becomes a shared responsibility. Deciding when to play aggressively for a birdie or when to play it safe for the team can be tough. I was designed for these exact situations. By analyzing your lie, hole layout, and the hazards, I can give you an instant recommendation to help you make smarter, more confident decisions. I’m here to act as your on-demand strategy expert, so you’ll always know the smart play when your team is counting on you. You can get a tailored strategy for any situation right when you need it with Caddie AI.
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